In accordance with the Malayalam calendar, the commencement of the new year coincides with the month of Chingam, during which the festival of Onam takes place. The Malayalam calendar associates each day with a specific star, and the ten-day span of Onam commences with Atham, followed by Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, and culminating in Thiruvonam, the most grandiose celebration of all. The festivities kick off on Atham, the first day, marked by special prayers and observances in temples throughout Kerala. Notably, the Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara temple in Kochi sees a significant event called "kodiettam" or flag hoisting.

Over the course of these ten days, a plethora of cultural and sports activities transpire, accompanied by generous feasts known as "sadyas."

Athachamayam - The initiation of Onam festivities takes place on Atham day, with families preparing for the celebrations. Homes are thoroughly cleaned the day before, and many individuals choose to begin the day by visiting a temple. Notably, the Thrippunithura Athachamayam, held in a small town near Kochi known for its temples, is particularly famous. In the past, the King of Kochi would lead a grand procession in ceremonial attire from his palace to the Thrikkakara temple. The procession features floats portraying scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Pookalam - One of the central elements of Onam celebrations is the "pookalam," a floral rangoli created in front of homes. It commences on Atham day with a small design and progressively adds more intricate circles or layers as the days pass. By Uthradam and Thiruvonam days, the pookalams become truly elaborate. In the past, flowers and leaves were gathered from gardens or nearby areas, but nowadays, people purchase flowers. In regions outside India, acrylic rangolis are sometimes used, and decorative brass diyas are incorporated. A key feature of the pookalam is the Maveli, a representation of Mahabali, crafted from wood or clay and featuring three pyramid-like cones symbolizing the king.

Music and Dance - Onam holidays are a time of celebration and enjoyment, featuring various dances such as Thiruvathira kali, primarily performed by women around a well-lit lamp. Men engage in Kummatikali, donning vibrant attire, masks, and painted body designs. A widely popular Onam dance is Pulikali, where men paint themselves as tigers and leopards, imitating their stripes and spots, often accompanied by matching masks. These dance processions spill onto the streets, occasionally including a dancer dressed as a hunter and sometimes even as King Mahabali himself.

Onasadya - An integral part of Onam is the Onasadya, an extensive banquet served on banana leaves. This vegetarian feast comprises an array of items, including banana chips, pickles, papadams, and various dishes like avial, pachidi, kichadi, olan, thoran, and erissery. The meal also includes rice, sambar, and often multiple types of payasam. People don new attire, known as "Onakodi," and enjoy an elaborate lunch with their dear ones.

1. Onakalikal

Collectively referred to as "Onakalikal," these are the diverse games played during the Onam festivities. Following the lavish Onasadhya feast, it's an excellent opportunity to indulge in some fun, sports, and revelry, with the spirited people of Kerala making the most of it.

2. Talappanthukali

Talappanthukali is a prominent outdoor game enjoyed during Onam. This ball game holds significant popularity and is widely played.

3. Kayyankali

Kayyankali involves a fierce battle and is a display of strength. Robust men engage in this game during Onam, where they engage in unarmed combat, with the stronger contender emerging victorious.

4. Attakalam

Attakalam is another form of combat played during Onam. It is less intense compared to Kayyankali. Unlike Kayyankali, Attakalam is played in groups rather than one-on-one.

5. Ambeyyal

Archery, known as Ambeyyal in Kerala, is among the many games played during Onam. This game tests a player's skill and patience and is predominantly played by men.

6. KutuKutu

Kutukutu is a popular and amusing game that adds excitement to the Onam celebrations. This playful game bears similarities to the well-known game of Kabaddi played in various parts of India. While seemingly simple, Kutukutu is quite challenging, evaluating a player's strength, speed, agility, and lung capacity.